The U.S.-China trade war escalates as tariffs rise to 125%, a move expected to severely impact marble exports, increasing costs and disrupting supply chains.
The trade dispute between the United States and China has entered a new, particularly intense phase, following the U.S. government’s decision to dramatically increase tariffs on Chinese goods. President Donald Trump explained that the decision to raise tariffs was due to China’s refusal to negotiate and the lack of respect the country, as he stated, has shown towards global markets. Trump had previously imposed a 104% tariff on Chinese imports, to which Beijing responded with an 84% tariff on American products. However, due to China’s intransigence, Trump proceeded to increase the tariffs on China to 125%, effective immediately.
This decision is part of a broader context of escalating geopolitical and economic tensions between the two largest economies in the world, with the U.S. attempting to limit China’s influence through trade and technology restrictions. This measure is expected to have immediate and severe consequences on the supply chain, particularly in industries where China has established itself as a key supplier.
The Processed Marble Sector at the Center of the Impact
China has historically been an important exporter of marble to the United States, particularly in the mid-price categories, where the combination of cost and quality makes it competitive.
With the total tariff burden now reaching 125%, marble exports are becoming practically unviable. The situation is further exacerbated by problems in shipping, such as canceled routes, sanctions on Chinese vessels, high freight rates, and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, which make transportation even more expensive and insecure.
The anticipated exit of many Chinese suppliers from the U.S. market threatens to create a significant supply gap. Especially in sectors that rely on affordable price categories, the lack of alternative sources may lead to price increases and disruptions in the smooth supply of the market.
This development highlights the broader dynamics of the trade war: beyond large industrial or technological goods, specialized sectors such as natural stone are also being hit, with immediate consequences for both producers and end consumers.
